Question: I have post-polio syndrome, and I have also been diagnosed with a viral infection. Will the viral infection take longer to clear up since I have post-polio syndrome? Answer: Recovery time after viral infections in polio survivors has not been studied. There is no reason to expect that the basic healing mechanisms of the body are altered as a …
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I’m Dating a Polio Survivor. What Should I Expect our Future to Look Like?
Question: I am dating a woman who had polio, but if you didn’t know it, you could not tell it. We are both in our late 20s and I am very interested in her. I have heard about post-polio syndrome and am wondering what I may expect in our future years if I marry her. Dr. Maynard’s response: People with …
Are Polio Survivors Prone to Restless Leg Syndrome and Random “Muscle Tears”?
Question: I had what was termed a “mild” case of polio in 1951 at age 7. Other than a barely noticeable curvature of the spine and temporary weakness in the neck, I had no ill effects and was back in full action within a couple months. I played sports throughout high school and have run a variety of races since …
Can Exercise Benefit Weakening Leg Muscles?
Question: My husband had polio at age 8. He is now 71. His left leg has started giving out on him and he falls. He goes to a special trainer, but I’m afraid the trainer doesn’t know how to treat this. What type of exercises should benefit him, and what should he avoid? Answer: Your husband’s leg weakness is most …
Should Polio Survivors Take Beta Blockers and Do They Work for Atrial Fibrillation?
Question: I’m interested in finding out if polio survivors should or should not take beta blockers. I have atrial fibrillation and the doctors keep trying me on beta blockers and I have trouble taking them. Do they work for atrial fibrillation? Answer: Some polio survivors can tolerate, and benefit from, taking beta blockers, but many are unable to tolerate them …
Since Polio and Shingles are Both Nerve Diseases are There Any Special Precautions, Medicines, or Treatments to be Had?
Question: My 83-year-old wife had bulbar polio when she was 17. She is now wheelchair-bound and is suffering severe pain from shingles. My question is: Since polio and shingles are both nerve diseases is there any special precaution, medicine or treatment she should have? Answer: Although polio and shingles are both a result of virus infections, they are not related …
Is There a Link Between Post-Polio and High Blood Pressure?
Question: I contracted polio in 1984, when I was 3 years old. In 2009, I discovered that I had very high blood pressure with figures ranging between 160/90 and 200/110. I have been on medication since then but there is no change thus far. At times I feel so weak after taking medication. My question: Is there a link between …
How Does Fatigue Affect People Who Have Had Polio?
Question: I had polio in both legs at age 10 in 1953 and was unable to walk for a year. With therapy and exercise, I pretty well recovered in one leg and can walk without help. How does fatigue affect people who have had polio? I’m constantly tired. A sleep study shows some sleep apnea and some restless leg syndrome …
Could Childhood Polio Cause an Old Injury to the Frontal Lobe?
Question: I recently came down with Bell’s Palsy. To rule out a stroke, I had an MRI. This showed some, what was thought to be, old injury. I don’t ever remember having any such thing. It is in the right front lobe. I had polio in 1949 at the age of 2, and I now have PPS. The polio affected …
Can Post-Polio Syndrome be the Cause of a Nerve Ending Problem Over the Stomach Region?
Question: Can post-polio syndrome (PPS) be the cause of a nerve ending problem over the stomach region? I have annoying, tingling pains over the stomach region at about skin level or just below. It continues on and off throughout the day but not serious enough to wake me at night. The doctors I have visited can’t seem to find a …